If you talk about shortstops and the Oakland Athletics, you are going to find yourself talking about top prospect Addison Russell. It seems like forever that he has been the big name shortstop on the way for the A’s but it really has only been a couple of years. In 2013 Russell did nothing to disappoint his status in MLB and among the best prospects in the game.

He still resides as the 12th ranked prospect in the official standings and did well in the Arizona Fall League as well. As he makes his way to Spring Training this season, no one is looking at how much potential he has. Russell has up-side to burn and everyone knows it. The question really will be how close is he to being MLB ready?

Spring camp is a perfect time to get an idea as to the answer to that question. There are probably two possible destinations at this point for Russell. If things go well this spring he could end up where he made a cameo late in 2013, Triple-A. It is also possible that he will begin the year at Double-A and work his way up from there.

One thing the A’s do not want to do is rush him through the system too fast and stunt his development. Russell is going to be a great one when he gets to the majors and sure he might be able to hold down the job now. This spring if he shows in any way that he is a good distance away however, you’re likely to see his path take on a more normal pace. If he blows it up this spring, the sky is the limit.

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